Helga M. Hardtke

Helga Margarete Hardtke of Prairie du Sac, age 94, passed away at her home in Pine Vista on September 7, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1932, in the town of Falkensee, Germany, the daughter of Helmuth and Elisabeth Steinkamp. Helga met her husband, Erwin Hardtke, in Berlin, Germany at a youth dance and fell in love and married on August 19, 1952. On May 6, 1960, Helga and Erwin and their three young children, Norbert, Hans-Joachim and Michael made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States settling in Wisconsin. They made their first home in Harmony Grove. They then moved several times to Madison, Prairie du Sac and Sauk City ending with their final home at Pine Vista, Prairie du Sac.

Helga was an accomplished beautician and makeup artist both in Germany and Wisconsin. In Germany, she created hair and makeup for movie, theater and opera stars. In Wisconsin, she started her career with John Charles Salon in downtown Madison. Later she started her own salons in Sauk City and Reedsburg. After retiring from her salons, Helga drove the handicapped school bus for the Sauk Prairie School District.

Helga had a natural talent for crafting. She was especially talented in knitting and crocheting. She created many items for family and friends and made many lap blankets that she donated to hospitals for individuals undergoing dialysis. She also made blankets for residents at Maplewood Nursing Home.

Helga is survived by her two sons Norbert (Christine) of Sauk City and Hans-Joachim of Lone Rock, daughter-in-law Renee of Ft. Worth, Texas; 8 grandchildren Kimberly, Kevin, Jeromy, Derek, Quinn(Larissa), Rebecca, Sierra(Jonah) and Jon Michael; and 5 great grandchildren Savannah, Gavin, Levi, Ava and Elias.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Erwin, a son, Michael, a daughter-in-law, Peggy and infant brother, Hans Walter.

A private service will be held at a later date with just immediate family.

The family of Helga would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped with her care and made it possible for her to stay in her home: Kay Barbian, Liz McPhee, Sharon Mueller, Joe Livak, Greg Cline and Tiger Gutwiler. We would also like to thank the health care professionals of Agrace Hospice especially Amber and Mary for their loving care.